JK 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Chap..dL f\ Copyright No.,. 



Shelfj!l4a43 

\TES OF^ 



UNITED STATES 'OF AMERICA. 



\ k IPs 



*'&* 






Copyrighted 1895, 

By RICHARD L. GAY, 

Boston, Mass. 



N 



[Acts of 1895, Chap, 502.] 



An Act to 




Repeal the Act Relative to Political 
Committees and Caucuses 

AND TO CONFER CERTAIN POWERS AND DUTIES UPON THE 

Election Commissioners of the City of Boston. 



Be it enacted, etc., as follows : 

Section i. Chapter five hundred and four of the 
acts of the year eighteen hundred and ninety=four is 
hereby repealed. 

Duties imposed Sect. 2. The powers and duties which 

upon election by law are vested in and imposed upon the 

commissioners m and alderme reg i s trar of voters or 

of Boston. . J . , . , . , -r, 

city clerk of the city of Boston in respect 

to caucuses, shall, except as otherwise specially provided, be 
vested in and imposed upon the election commissioners of 
said city. 



2 
[Acts of 1895, Chap. 489.] 



An Act Relative to 

Political Committees ana caucuses. 



Be it enacted, etc., as follows : 

DEFINITION OF TERilS. 

Name of act. Section I. This act shall be known 

and may be cited as the caucus act of eighteen hundred and 
ninety-five. 

Terms defined. Sect. 2. Terms used in this act re- 

lating to caucuses shall have application as hereinafter set 
forth, unless other meaning is clearly apparent from the 
language or context, or from manifest intent. 

The term " political party," shall apply to a political 
party which at the preceding annual state election polled for 
governor at least three per cent, of the entire vote cast in the 
state for that office. 

The term "elective office," shall apply to candidates 
for any office to be voted for at a state or municipal election. 
The term •• caucus officers," shall apply to wardens, 
clerks, inspectors, chairmen, secretaries and tellers, and when 
on duty, to additional officers specially elected, or elected to 
fill a vacancy and taking part in the conduct of caucuses. 

The term " caucus," and "political convention," 
shall apply only to such as shall be called and held in pur- 
suance of this act. 

The term " political committee," shall apply only to 
such as shall be elected in pursuance of this act. 



STATE COnniTTEE. 

State committee Sect. 3. Each political party shall an- 

to be chosen nually elect a state committee who shall 

annually. Term hoM office for Qne year frQm the firgt day 

. of January next following their election and 

until their successor shall have organized ; said committee to 

How constituted, consist of at least one member from each 

senatorial district, to be elected at the convention held for the 

nomination of a senator from said district to be voted for at 

the annual state election. 

The members of the state committee 
When organized. ,„.,.,. , r , , 

shall, within thirty days from the beginning 

Officers. of their term of office, meet and organize by 

the choice of a chairman, a secretary and a treasurer, and 

such other officers as they may decide to elect. 

Organization to The secretary of the state committee 

be filed, etc. shall, within ten days of such organization, 

file with the secretary of the Commonwealth, and send to 

each city and town committee, a list of the members of the 

committee and of the officers hereinbefore named. 

Any vacancy occurring in the office of 
Vacancies. . . J J . 

chairman, secretary or treasurer m the 

committee shall be filled by the action of the committee, and 

a statement of any change so occurring shall, by the secretary, 

be filed as in the case of the officers first chosen. 

WARD AND TOWN COfiniTTEES. 

Town and ward Sect - 4- Each political party shall, in 

committees of every ward and town annually elect a com- 
not less than mittee to be called in the case of a town a 

three shall be tQwn comm i ttee an d i n the case of a ward a 

chosen annually. . . 

ward committee, which shall consist of not 



Term of office. less than three persons, who shall hold 
office for one year from the first day of January next following 
their election and until their successors shall have organized, 
except that whenever a ward committee shall be elected 
between the first day of January and the first day of June, 
the members thereof shall hold office for one year from the 
first day of June next following their election. 

CITY AND TOWN COnniTTEES. 

City committee The members of the several ward corn- 

how constituted, mittees of a political party in- a city shall 
constitute a committee to be called a city committee. 
Committees Each town committee shall annually, on 

when and how a date between the first day of January and 
organized. the first day of March following, and each 

city committee shall, within thirty days from the beginning of 
their term of office, meet and organize by the choice of a 
chairman, a secretary and a treasurer, and such other officers 
as they may decide to elect. 

Sect. c. The secretary of each city 
When and with , D . „ . , . , 

horn list of a town committee shall, within ten days 

members and after such organization, file with the secre- 

organizations tary of the Commonwealth, with the clerk 

of committees of the it Qr town an ^ with the secretarv 
shall be filed. , , J . , , ,. . , 

of the state committee of the political party 

of which they are a portion, a list of the members of the 
committee and of the officers hereinbefore named. 

Any vacancy occurring in the office of 
Vacancies how . . 

filled and state- chairman, secretary or treasurer in a com- 
ment of changes mittee shall be filled by the action of the 
filed. committee, and a statement of any change 

so occurring shall be filed by the secretary as in the case of 
the officers first chosen. 



Committees may Sect - 6 " An V state ' dt 7 or town com " 

make rules for mittee may make such rules and regulations 
their conduct for its conduct as are not inconsistent with 

and regulations the provisions of law . A nd any state, city 
for caucuses. . . . , . . 

or town committee authonzed by this act 

to call caucuses for the choice of delegates to political con- 
ventions may make rules and regulations relative to such cau- 
cuses, not inconsistent with the provisions of law. 
Committees Committees existing at the time this act 

existing. takes effect shall be deemed to be organized 

under its provisions. 

CAUCUSES. 

To whom notices Sect. 7. All notices for holding cau- 

appiy* cuses shall apply to all members of the 

political party whose caucuses are to be held, and to them 

only. 

Persons voting No person having voted in the caucus 

in caucus of one , ,. . , , „ , . , , 

party cannot of one political party shall be entitled to 

another during vote or take P art in the caucus of another 
same year. political party in the same calendar year. 

Town and city Each town or city committee may make 

committees may . . 

make regulations, reasonable regulations, not inconsistent 

membIrshYp e and with the Provisions of law, to determine 
to restrain others membership in the party, and to restrain 
from taking part , , , , . , . 

in a caucus. others than those who are entitled to vote 

at the caucus from attendance thereat or taking part therein. 
Independent But no political committee of any party 

voter not ex- shall deprive any voter from taking part in 

a caucus of said party on the ground that 
the voter had supported an independent candidate for 
political office. 



Caucu.es re* Sect. 8. All caucuses (except for 

™t°o„s?o SP f dal dections > f ° r <*<** of delegates to 
be held on one of P olltlcal conventions which nominate candi- 
two consecutive dates to be voted for at the annual state 
<! ays - election, and for the nomination of candi- 

dates to be voted for at the annual state election, shall be 
held throughout the Commonwealth on one of two con 
secutive days, designated by the state committee of the 
political party for which said caucuses are held; and all of 
shall bS*c*Sen Said Agates shall be elected and all of 
at one caucus. said candidates shall be nominated at one 
Exceptions. caucus, except that caucuses held for choice 

of delegates to a representative district convention, or for 
nomination of candidates for the general court, may be called 
and held as hereinafter provided. 

fhalf de^aVe" ^ Chairman and Secretar y of the 

dates 21 days stat e committee of each political party shall 

are t r o e STS? at least twenty-one days before the date on 
. J whlch ^e caucuses are to be held forward 

their designation of dates to the chairman and secretary of 
each city and town committee of their party, and they shall at 
May name other tne same time designate two other consecutive 
days for caucuses days, which shall be at least seven days later 

rr^oV^a,-^" the deSi ^ ati °" above-provided, as 
court. dates on whlch caucuses may be held for 

choice of delegates to a representative dis- 
trict convention, or for nomination of candidates for the gen- 
eral court. 

Special provisions If at least twelve da ys prior to the 

relative to candi- earlier date any representative district corn- 
dates for general mittee shall notify the chairman and secre- 
C ° Ur * tar y of each town and ward committee of 

their party to said district to hold the caucus for choice of 



delegates to said representative district convention or for the 

nomination of candidates for the general court on one of 

said latter dates such caucus shall be so held. . 

No two parties Sect. o. No two political parties shall 

shall hold cau- «_,*,. ■ , , 

cus same day. hold their caucuses on the same day. 

Precedence given The party first filing with the secretary 
to party first of the Commonwealth the copy of the call 

filing copy of ag aboye provided shall be entitled to pre- 

cedence on the days named. 

Every caucus in a SeCT - Ia Eve, 7 caucus of a political 

town or city to party in a town or city shall be called by a 
be called and held written or printed notice specifying that the 
under election act same is tQ be heM in accordance with the 
of 1895. . . , , r • , 

provisions of the caucus act of eighteen 

hundred and ninety-five, and the provisions thereof shall then 

apply to the conduct and proceedings of any such caucus, but 

nothing herein shall prevent the enforcement at such caucus 

of further regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of 

this act. 

Only candidates Except as above provided, no caucus or 

nominated at meeting shall be entitled to nominate a 

caucuses held as .. . r ... „ . 

herein provided candidate for a public office, whose name 

nSmesSn th^bJl- sha11 be P laced on the ballots P rovid ed in 

lot, provided for accordance with the provisions of chapter 
in acts of 1893, l ' / 

Chap. 417. four hundred and seventeen of the acts of 

the year eighteen hundred and ninety-three and acts in amend- 
ment thereof and in addition thereto, or shall be entitled to 
select delegates to a political convention for the nomination of 
a candidate, whose name shall be placed on the ballots so pro- 
vided. 

Polling places Sect. II. At least two weeks prior to 

shall be provided the date on which a caucus is to be held 
without expense the c h a h- man or secretary of the city or 
in towns and . . „ ' . , , . 

citie5> town committee shall notify the board of 



8 



aldermen in a city or the selectmen in a town of the date 

selected for said caucus, and said aldermen or selectmen shall, 

at the expense of the city or town, provide polling places for 

said caucuses, and in case of a city, not less than one for each 

ward; and said aldermen or selectmen shall, at least ten 

days prior to the date of said caucus, notify said chairman or 

secretary as to the place so provided. 

Notices of caucus Sect. 12. Notices of caucuses held 

shall be given by under the provisions of this act shall be 

each town and issued by each city and town committee not 

city committee , . 

seven days prior less than seven da y s P nor to the d *Y on 

to day of holding, which the caucuses are to be held. 

Shall state place They shall state the place where, and 

MdTou"wh!S! to the da X and hour when > the several cau ' 
be held. cuses are to be held. 

How and where Said notices shall be conspicuously 

posted. placed or posted in at least five places on a 

line or lines of public travel, and, if practicable, in every post 
office within the city or town wherein the caucus is to be held, 
or shall be published at least twice in one or more local news- 
papers, if any. 

Hour of calling The hour for callin S the caucus sha11 

not later than not be later than eight o'clock in the 

8 P. n. evening. 

CONDUCT OF CAUCUSES. 

Temporary The notice for such caucus shall desig- 

chairman. nate by name or office the person who shall 

call such caucus to order ; and the person so designated shall 
call the caucus to order and preside until a chairman is 
chosen. In case however the person so designated is absent 
at the time appointed, any member of the ward or town 
committee present shall call the caucus to order, and preside 
until a chairman is chosen. 



Organization The organization of the caucus by the 

first in order. choice of a chairman, secretary, and such 

other officers as the meeting may require, shall be the first 
business in order. 

Any business that may properly come before the meeting 
shall next be transacted. 

Ballot to be Sect. 13. A ballot shall be taken for 

taken. the choice of any candidate, delegate or 

member of a political committee, to be selected by such 

Polls shall be caucus, and the polls shall be kept open 

kept open thirty , . f f 

minutes. at least thirty minutes. 

Voting lists shall In balloting the voting lists last pub- 

be used as check Hshed according to law, with such sub- 
sequent additions thereto as may be certified 
by the registrars of voters, shall be used as check lists. 
Registrars to The registrars of voters in a city or 

furnish voting town, whenever a caucus is called therein 
in accordance with the provisions of this 
act, shall, on request of the person designated in the notice 
thereof to call the caucus to order, furnish him for use in the 
caucus a certified copy of the voting lists of the town, or of 
the ward of the city, for which the caucus is to be held, as 
last published according to law, together with such names of 
voters as have been added thereto since such publication. 
No person to vote, No P erson shall be entitled to vote or 
etc., whose name to take part in such caucus whose name 
is not on list. does not appear upon said list. 

Plurality elects. Sect. 14. The person or persons re- 

ceiving the highest number of votes in a caucus shall be 
deemed and declared to be elected or nominated. 

In case of a tie In case of a tie vote for dele g ates to a 

vote for delegates convention, or in case of a place being 
to a convention. unfilled in a delegation, or in case of a 



10 

vacancy occasioned by inability or neglect of a delegate elected 
to attend a convention, such vacancies shall be filled only by 
vote of the remaining members of the delegation at a meeting 
duly called for the purpose. Such meeting shall choose a 
chairman and secretary, and the secretary shall notify the 
secretary of the convention of the action of the meeting so far 
as it relates to a vacancy. 

In case of a tie In case of a tie vote for members of a 

of° t a e to°wiTo! nberS town or ward committee, or for caucus 
ward committee , officers, the members duly elected shall 
or caucus _„ . . 

officers. fill the vacancy or vacancies. 

In case of a tie In case a majority of a delegation, or 

when majority , . «. 

are not elected. ward or town committee or caucus officers 

In case of a tie are not elected, or in case of a tie vote for 
dates f for C e"ective candidates for an elective office, the caucus v 
office. shall at once proceed to another ballot, un- 

less some one present entitled to vote objects; in case 
objection is made the caucus shall adjourn until the following 
or other subsequent day. The hour and place shall, if 
practicable, be the same as that named in the original call. 
Certificates of Sect. 15. The presiding officer and 

election shall be secretary of each caucus shall within five 
sent to all dele- wee k days thereafter deliver, send or cause 
gates, etc., . 

within five days to be sent to eacft clele g ate to a political 
after caucus is convention and to each member of a 
held, political committee, a certificate of his 

election, and to each candidate for an elective office a notice 
of his nomination. 

Secretary of ^he secretar y of each caucus shall 

caucus shall safely keep all ballots cast thereat and all 

keep ballots voting lists used therein for the period of 

five days, also five d If before the expiration of said 

three months , , ,, , , . . . , 

upon request of time he sha11 be requested in writing by ten 
ten voters. voters entitled to vote in said caucus, he 



11 



shall safely keep said ballots and voting list for the period of 
three months thereafter, and shall produce the same if called 
for by any court of justice. 

RECOUNT OF BALLOTS. 

Notice of contest If within three week days of any caucus 

etc., to be made a person who has received votes thereat for 
within three nomination or election to any office, dele- 

gation or political committee shall serve 
upon the secretary of said caucus a statement in writing 
claiming an election or nomination, or shall declare in said 
statement an intention to contest the nomination or election 
of any other person, such secretary shall retain every envelope 
containing the ballots for such nomination or office until such 
claim is withdrawn or the contest for the nomination or 
election is finally determined by competent authority. 
Chairman and The secretar Y of a caucus receiving the 

secretary of above notice shall immediately give notice 

caucus to recount in writing to the person or persons 
ballots 24 hours interested, and the chairman and secretary 
after notice. , , M . . . . 

who served at the caucus at which the 

ballots were cast, shall, within twenty-four hours after the 

giving of said notice, proceed to recount said ballots and 

determine the questions raised, and such recount shall stand as 

the true result of the vote cast in such caucus. 

And each of such candidates may ap- 
Candidates or . , A . . , 

agent mav be pear and be present during such recount, 

present. either in person or by an agent appointed 

by him in writing. 

SPECIAL CAUCUSES. 



Sect. 16. Caucuses relative to a special 
action shall be held at such time and 
place and subject to such reasonable notice as the political 



election shall be held at such time and 



12 



committee whose duty it is to provide for holding the same 
may determine. 

All calls for the same shall be issued by 
By whom called, the chairman and secretary of said political 
committee. 

PENALTIES, ETC. 

Sect. 17. The penalties imposed by 

Penalties. , ' * * , / 

law upon officers and voters who violate the 

provisions of acts regulating state elections are hereby 
imposed upon officers and voters who violate the provisions 
of this act. 

The supreme judicial court and the 
superior court shall have full power at law 
or in equity to enforce the provisions of 
this act. 

Sect. 18. All acts or parts of acts 
inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. 
{Approved June 5, 1895.] 



Supreme and 
superior court 
have full power 
to enforce. 



Inconsistent 
acts repealed. 



[Acts of 1895, Chap. 507.] 



An Act Relative to 

THE HOLDING OF CAUCUSES 

In Certain Cities and Towns, 



Be it enacted, etc., as follows : 

DEFINITION OF TERMS. . 

Section i. Terms used in this act re- 
lating to caucuses shall have application 
as hereinafter set forth, unless other meaning is clearly 
apparent from the language or context, or from manifest 
intent. 



Terms defined. 



13 



The term " political party,' * shall apply to a political 
party which at the preceding annual state election polled for 
governor at least three per cent, of the entire vote cast in the 
state for that office. 

The term " nomination papers," shall apply only to 
those used in connection with caucuses, as herein provided. 

The term " caucus officers," shall apply to wardens, 
clerks and inspectors, and when on duty to additional officers 
specially elected, or elected to fill a vacancy and taking part 
in the conduct of caucuses. 

The term " elective office," shall apply to candidates 
for any office to be voted for at a state or municipal election. 

CAUCUSES. 

(a.) Relating to State Elections. 
Caucuses in Sect. 2. All caucuses of a political 

Boston (and in party in the city of Boston and in any city 
cities and towns or town w herein a political party, prior to 
which have , _ . . , , 

adopted this act) the P assa g e of tms act > accepted the pro- 
shall be held as visions of chapter five hundred and four of 
herein provided, the acts of the year eighteen hundred and 
ninety-four, for the choice of candidates to be voted for at a 
state election, for the choice of delegates to a political 
convention to nominate candidates to be voted for at a state 
election, for the choice of caucus officers, and for the choice 
of a political committee, shall be called and held as herein 
provided. 

All caucuses held under the provisions 
State Committee of this act, except those that relate to a 
shall call all cau= municipal or sp ecial election, shall be held 
cuses relating to , „ _ , . _ , 

state elections. at t " e ca ^ °* the state committee of the 
political party whose caucuses are to be 
held, and the chairman and secretary of said state committee 



14 



shall, at least twenty-one days before the date on which the 
Shall forward caucuses are to be held, forward a copy 

copy of call 21 of the call to the chairman and secretary 
days before date of each dt and town committee of the 
of caucus. 

party. 

(b.) Relating to City and Town Elections. 
Caucuses relating Sect - 3- All caucuses of a political 
to city or town party in said cities and towns for the choice 
elections shall of candidates to be voted for at a city or 
be held on same tQwn electiori5 anc j f or the choice of dele . 

gates to a convention to nominate candi- 
dates to be voted for at a city or town election, shall be held 
on the same day in each city and town, except such caucuses 

as relate to a special election: provided. 
Exceptions. , ..... 

however, that in said city or town caucuses 

for the choice of delegates to a convention to nominate candi- 
dates to be voted for by the city or town at large, may be held 
upon a different day from the other caucuses above mentioned. 
Caucuses for All caucuses for the choice of a ward 

choosing ward committee shall be held on the same day, 
committee. which may be the same as the day for 

holding caucuses for the choice of candidates to be voted for 
at a city election. 

City or town The city or town committee shall deter- 

committees shall mine the days upon which all the caucuses 

fix days and mentioned in this section shall be held, and 

issue calls. ' , , . _ 

all calls tor the same shall be issued by the 

chairman and secretary of the city or town committee. 

(c.) Notices. 
No two parties No two political parties shall hold their 

shall hold caucus caucuses on the same day. The party first 
same day. fl]mg with the * dt y QX tQwn derk a copy of 

*{n Boston, election 



15 



the call for a caucus shall be entitled to precedence on the 
day named. 

First notice to Sect. 4. Notices of caucuses in said 

eigh^eerfdays cities and towns > whether held at a call of 

before caucus. the state committee or at the call of the 
city or town committee, shall be issued not less than eighteen 
days prior to the day on which the caucuses are to be held. 
Shall state when They shall state the day when the 
and where nomi= several caucuses shall be held and the 
nation papers lace at which nomination papers, as 

shall be filed. f . . f / 

hereinafter provided, shall be filed, and the 

day and hour prior to which said nomination papers shall be 

filed. 

Second notice to Sect. 5. At least seven days prior to 

davs S before eVen tne da y name d for a caucus as hereinbefore 

caucus. provided, the city or town committee shall 

issue a notice that such caucus will be held, stating the place, 

the day and the hour of holding the same. 

Hour not to be The hour shall not be earlier than two 

earlier than 2 o'clock in the afternoon, nor later than half 

nor later past seven o'clock in the evening, as the 
than 7.30 P. M. \ . ',„■,. 

city or town committee shall determine. 

(d.) Preparation of Polling Places. 

Polling places At least two weeks P rior to the date on 

shall be provided which a caucus is to be held the chairman 
at the expense or secretary of the city or town committee 
of the city or shall not jf y t i ae *board of aldermen in a city 

town. 

or the selectmen in a town of such date, 

and the said *aldermen or selectmen shall, at least ten days 
prior to the date on which the caucus is to be held, notify the 
city or town committee of the places selected for holding the 
caucuses ; and said *aldermen or selectmen shall, at the 

*In Boston, election commissioners. 



16 



expense of the city or town, provide polling places, and 
Booths, etc., in case of a city, not less than one for 

shall in cities, each ward, and shall prepare the same with 
be prepared as booths, registering ballot boxes, guard rails 
for state . , ,.f . 7 . 

elections a ' in same manner in which 

they are arranged for state elections, 
(e.) Notices. 
Notices to be All notices for caucuses in such cities or 

published in local towns and all notices relative to the filing 
newspapers. Q £ nom ination papers shall be published not 

less than twice in one or more local newspapers if there are 
any such newspaper in such cities or towns. 

NOHINATION PAPERS. 

City or town Sect. 6. It shall be the duty of the 

clerk shall pre- city or town to provide, and for the *city or 
pare nomination tQwn derk seasonab i y to prepare, for each 
papers. ,. . , . .,,,., 

political party, as herein provided, blank 

nomination papers for use in the different wards of the city or 
Papers shall state in the town, stating the place where, and 
day, place and the day and hour prior to which, signed 
time of filing. nomination papers must be filed. 
Shall be delivered On the back of such papers shall be 
sec re tar v of ° F printed section seven to fourteen inclusive 
political com- of this act. Such papers shall, by the *city 
or town clerk, be delivered to the chairman 
or secretary of the political committee for whose use they have 
been prepared, and to such chairman or secretary only. 
Nominations Sect. j. Nominations by members of 

shall be made by a political party of candidates for elective 
nomination offices, for delegates to a convention, for 

caucus officers, and for a ward or town 
*In Boston, election commissioners. 



17 



committee to be voted for at a caucus, shall be made by 
nomination papers, as hereinafter provided. 

Such papers shall contain the signatures 
of not less than five legal voters of the 
ward or town in which the caucus is to be 
held. 

Said voters shall be members of the 
political party whose caucus is to be held. 
Every voter signing a nomination paper 



Shall be signed 
by five legal 
voters. 



rlembers of the 
party. 



Signers of papers 



shall add resi' 
dence. 



shall sign the same in person, and shall add 
to his signature the street and number, if 
any, of his residence. 

Nomination papers placing candidates 
in nomination shall not contain a larger 
number of names of candidates than there 
are persons to be elected. They may contain a less number. 
Sect. 8. In addition to the name of 
the candidate for an elective office there 
shall be given the street and number, if any, 
of his residence, and there may be given his 
business or occupation, the public offices he 
has held, or any other information whereby his identity may 
be established, and his qualifications for the office to be filled, 
or his position on any public measure, indicated. 

Any statement of this nature shall be 
embodied in not exceeding eight words. 

Against the name of a candidate for 
caucus officer or for ward or town com- 
mittee shall be given the street and number, 
if any, of his residence. 



Number of 
names limited. 



Information 
relative to a 
candidate for an 
elective office 
may be given. 



In not exceeding 
eigbt words. 

Residence of 
caucus officers, 
etc. 



18 



Personal prefer- In connection with names of persons 

ences of candi- proposed as delegates to a convention, any 
dates for dele= ■, , J 

gates may be SUCh statement ma y be made as that the 

given. persons named are favorable to, or are 

pledged to support, or to oppose, any 
person or persons for an office or offices to be filled, or are 
favorable to, or opposed to, any public measure, or are 
uncommitted. 

Such statements shall be embodied in 
not exceeding eight words. 

Sect. 9. The chairman or secretary of 
the city or town committee shall endorse 
upon the nomination papers the time at 
which they are filed with him. 

All nomination papers shall be sealed 
up and filed in the office of the secretary 
of the city or town committee not less than 
ten days previous to the day on which the 
caucus is to be held for which the nominations are made. 
They shall not be opened until the time fixed for their 
announcement. 

Sect. 10. At the expiration of the time 
named at which nomination papers are to 
be filed, the secretary of the city or town 
committee at his office shall cause such 
papers to be publicly opened, and the nomi- 
nations therein made to be publicly an- 
nounced. 

Sect. ii. In case of any error, irregu- 
larity or informality in a nomination paper 
which has been duly filed with the secretary of the city or 
town committee, he may make or cause to be made any 
changes necessary to bring it within the requirements herein- 



In not exceeding 
eight words. 

Time of filing 
papers shall be 
endorsed on 
same. 

Papers shall be 
sealed and filed 
ten days previ- 
ous to caucus. 



Secretary of 
city committee 
to publicly open 
papers and an- 
nounce nomina- 
tion. 



In case of error. 



19 



before mentioned. In default of such action he shall imme- 
diately notify the person filing the nomination paper, of such 
error, irregularity or informality, and the said voter may, 
within two week days of the time at which public announce- 
ment was made of the contents of nomination papers, make 
or cause to be made the change necessary to correct such 
error, irregularity or imformality. 

Sect. 12. In a city, in case of the non- 
In case of non- . ■ . .... . 

receipt in a city. recei P t ' as herein specified, of nomination 
papers placing persons in nomination for all 
the positions to be filled at the ensuing caucus, in accordance 
with the provisions hereinbefore given, the secretary of the 
city committee shall forthwith notify the chairman or secre- 
tary of the committee of any ward from which the requisite 
papers have not been filed. They or one of them shall forth- 
with call a meeting of said committee, who may nominate 
candidates for any and all offices for which nomination papers 
have not been filed, and in case they make a nomi- 
nation they shall immediately thereafter notify the secretary 
of the city committee of such action by filing with him nomi- 
nation papers similar to those hereinbefore described, signed 
in their official capacity, by all the members of the committee 
who assent to the nominations therein made. In case of dis- 
agreement two sets of such nomination papers may be filed. 
Said papers shall have the same force and authority as those 
containing the signatures of five voters of the ward, and shall 
be considered and treated the same in all respects. If at the 
expiration of two week days after the time at which nomi- 
nation papers were opened proper nomination papers have 
not been filed for all the positions to be filled, or in case of 
any vacancy caused by death or otherwise, except with- 
drawals, the chairman and secretary of the city committee as 
a committee may exercise the nominating powers herein 



vested in a ward committee, and nomination papers filed by 
them shall have the same force and authority as other nomi- 
nation papers. 

Sect. 13. In a town, in case of the 
In case of non= . , ._ , , 

receipt in a town. n °n-receipt, as herein specified of nomi- 
nation papers placing persons in nomination 
for all the positions to be filled at the ensuing caucus, in 
accordance with the provisions hereinbefore given, or in case 
of a vacancy caused by death or otherwise, except a with- 
drawal, the chairman or secretary of the town committee shall 
forthwith call a meeting of the said committee, who shall have 
all the powers relative to the nomination of candidates herein- 
before conferred upon a ward committee, a city committee, 
and the chairman and secretary of a city committee. 
In case of with- Sect. 14. If any person whose name 

drawal by person has been presented on a nomination paper 
nominated. ghallj within twQ week days of the published 

announcement thereof, file with the secretary of the city or 
town committee a written request for the withdrawal of his 
name, such request shall be complied with and the secretary 
of the city and town committee shall immediately notify the 
person filing the nomination paper of such withdrawal and 
the provisions of this section relating thereto j and the said 
person may, within twenty-four hours after the time at which 
said notice was sent from the secretary's office, present a new 
name on a paper signed by himself. Said new paper shall 
have the same force and authority as that originally presentee 1 . 
In case of the non-receipt of a new paper, as herein specified, 
the chairman and secretary of the city or town committee 
may fill the vacancy. 

Sect. 15. Not less than seven week 
Papers shall be , , , . , , 

sent to citv or days prior to the day upon which the cau- 
town clerk. cuses are to be held, the secretary of each 



21 



city or town committee shall place in the hands of the *city or 
town clerk the nomination papers filed with him in accordance 
with the provisions of this act. 

To be filed All nomination papers which are by this 

before five P. n. act required to be filed with the city or 
last day of filing. town derk shaR be filed [n the office Qf thg 

*city or town clerk before five o'clock in the afternoon of the 
last day fixed by this act for the fifing thereof. 

PREPARATION AND FORfl OF BALLOTS. 

Sect. 16. The city or town shall pro- 
City shall pro= . , . , . . J ,,..,. 
vide ballots e a *city or town clerk of such city 
or town shall prepare ballots to be used in 
caucuses, and such ballots shall be in accordance with the 
provisions of this act. 

No other ballots shall be received or 
No others shall . . . . , . 

be used counted in a caucus m said city or town 

held under the provisions of this act. 
Certain words, At the top of each ballot shall be 

etc., on front printed the words "The official ballot of 

and back shall (here shaU f oUow the t name of the com _ 

be printed. . . „ _ , . . 

mittee). On the back and outside, when 

folded, of each ballot shall be printed the words " Official 
ballot of the (here shall be inserted the party name) city 
[or town] committee," followed by the number of the ward or 
the name of the town for which the ballot is prepared, the 
date of the caucus and a fac-simile of the signature of the 
secretary of the party which has caused the ballot to be 
prepared. 

The chairman and secretary of the city 
City or town \ . J 

committee may or town committee may determine the 

ber e orbaUo n ts m= number of ballots to be furnished each 
for each ward. ward or town, not to exceed one for each 



*In Boston, election commissioners. 



registered voter in said ward or town. In case of their fail- 
ure to do so, the *city or town clerk shall determine the 
number. 

Sect. 17. Names of candidates for all 
names on ballot e ^ ect i ye offices shall be arranged alphabeti- 
cally according to their surnames. 
Candidates for Names of candidates for caucus officers, 

delegates and for ward or town committees and for dele- 

for committees ga t es to conventions may be arranged in 
may be grouped. . * 

groups in the order in which they are filed. 

But shall be arranged alphabetically ac- 
Or alphabets ,. , . , 

cally, by request. cordin S to tneir surnames whenever written 
request therefor is made to the secretary of 
the city or town committee by any ward or town committee, 
or whenever the city or town committee shall vote so to do. 
Residence of Against the name of a candidate for a 

candidate, except caucus officer for an elective office or a ward 
for delegate, to or town committee sha n be prm ted the 

street and number, if any, of his residence. 
Information Against the name of a candidate for an 

about candidates elective office or apolitical convention shall 
to be printed. be prmte( i t h e statement which is contained 
in the nomination paper placing the candidate in nomination. 
Only names Sect. 18. No names shall be printed 

duly nominated on a ballot other than those which have 
to be printed. been duly presented on nomination papers. 
Blank spaces for Immediately following the names of 

writing in other candidates blank spaces for the insertion in 
names - writing of other names equal to the num- 

ber of persons to be chosen shall be provided. 
Number to be Upon the ballot shall be stated the 

voted for shall number of persons to be voted for for the 
be stated. different positions to be filled. 

*In Boston, election commissioners. 



23 



A star (*) indi- 
cates a candi= 
date for re=elec- 
tion. 

A cross (X) 
against a name 
constitutes a 
vote. 

If more names are 
marked than can= 
didates, vote not 
to be counted. 



A star (*) against a name shall indicate 
that a person is a candidate for re-election. 

A cross (X) marked against a name 
shall constitute a vote for the person 
so designated. 

But if a voter marks a cross against 
more names than there are persons to be 
elected to an office, his vote for that office 
shall not be counted. 

The form of ballots and the arrange- 
ment of printed matter thereon shall be in 
general that observed in ballots provided 
by the state at elections, except as herein 
otherwise provided. 

DELIVERY OF BALLOTS, ETC. 

Sect. 19. The * city or town clerk of the 
city or town shall on the day on which a 
caucus is to be held, before the opening of 
the polls, deliver at the polling place to the 
warden if present, or if not present then to 
the clerk, if both warden or clerk are absent then to any in- 
spector who may be present, the sample ballots, together with 
the ballots hereinbefore provided for and the voting lists 
required by law to be used in caucuses. 

Blanks, seals The * city or town clerk shall also prepare 

and record book at the expense of the city or town and 
deliver at the time and place aforesaid, suit- 
able blank forms and apparatus for can- 
vassing and counting the ballots and making the returns 
required by this act, a seal of suitable device for each polling 
place, and a record book. 

*In Boston, election commissioners. 



Form and ar= 
rangement of 
ballots same as 
at state elections. 



City or town 
clerk to deliver 
all ballots and 
voting list at 
polling place. 



shall be fur- 
nished. 



24 



It shall be the duty of the presiding 
Six fac=simile officer of each polling place, at or prior to 
copies of ballots t j ie hour of opening the caucus, to cause to 
shall be posted . . , , , . , 

in polling place. be conspicuously posted or placed in such 
polling place not less than six fac-simile 
copies of the ballots to be used in the caucuses, such copies 
to be printed on tinted paper. They shall be kept so posted 
or placed during the whole time that balloting is in progress. 

CONDUCT OF CAUCUSES. 

Sect. 20. The order of business in 
Order of busi= 

caucuses shall be as follows : — 

(1) Any necessary preliminary busi- 
ness that may properly come before the meeting shall first be 
transacted. 

Balloting shall (2) Thereafter balloting shall be al- 

proceed till 8.30 lowed to proceed uninterruptedly until half 
P. n. unless p ast gjght- o'clock in the evening, when the 

polls shall be closed unless the caucus shall 
vote to keep them open until a later hour. 

(3) At the conclusion of the balloting, any other busi- 
ness properly before the caucus shall be in order. 

Proceedings when Vote is Challenged. 

Sect. 21. If at any caucus held under 
In case right of . . ... , . , 

person to vote the provisions of this act the right of a 
is challenged person offering to vote is challenged for any 

same proceed- cause recognized by law, the presiding 
ing as at gen- officer shall require the name and residence 
eral elections. «•**.*!. 

of the person so ottering to vote to be 

written by himself, or by some one in his behalf, on the out- 
side of the ballot so offered, and the presiding officer shall add 
thereto the name of the person so challenging and the assigned 



25 



cause for which the challenge is made, before such ballot is 
received ; but nothing in this section shall be construed as 
permitting officers in the caucus to receive any ballot which 
by law they are required to refuse. 

No officer shall No officer, otherwise than as above- 

fn V regard r tTa ti0n re q uired or permitted, and no person other 
ballot cast. than an officer of the caucus, shall make 

any statement or give any information in regard to a ballot 
cast by a voter so challenged at any such caucus, except as 
required by law. 

COUNTING OF BALLOTS. 

Ballots not to be Sect. 22. Immediately after the polls 

counted till polls are declared closed, but not before, the 

are closed. ballots shall be counted in full view of the 

in t fun view of voters . 

Record of result When the total result and counting of 

to be made and ballots has been ascertained the presiding 
sent to * city or officer shall make public announcement 
town clerk. thereof in open meeting, and shall, in open 

meeting, cause the clerk of the caucus to enter in words at 
length in the record book, provided for his use by the *city or 
town clerk, the total number of names checked on the voting 
list, the total number of ballots cast, the names of all persons 
voted for, the number of votes received for each person, and 
the title of the delegation or office for which he was proposed. 
Each clerk of a caucus shall forthwith make a copy of the 
record so made by him, certify and seal the same, and trans- 
mit the same with the record book to the *city or town clerk, 
as hereinafter provided. 

*In Boston, election commissioners. 



Before adjourn 
ment clerk to 
seal up all 
ballots, check 
lists, etc. 



Warden and 
clerk to make 
endorsements 
of certain facts 
on the sealed 
package. 



The clerk shall then, in the presence of 
those who are responsible for the count and 
before the adjournment of the caucus, seal 
up all ballots which have been cast, together 
with the check lists used in the caucus and 
a statement regarding any challenge which has been made. 

The warden and clerk of the caucus 
shall endorse upon such package the name 
of the political party holding the caucus, 
for what delegations and candidatures and 
in what ward the ballots were cast, and the 
date of the caucus. 
Warden to trans- The warden shall forthwith transmit to 
mit to*city clerk the *city or town clerk, by the police officer 
or by some other legal officer stationed by 
said clerk in attendance at the caucus, all 
the ballots cast and the voting lists, the copy of the records, 
sealed as aforesaid, together with the record book of the clerk. 
*The city or town clerk shall safely keep 
such sealed packages for not less than three 
months, and shall produce the same if 
called for by any court, justice, tribunal or 
convention having jurisdiction of the same. 

RECOUNT OF BALLOTS. 

Request for Sect. 23. If, within the twenty-four 

recount must be hours next succeeding the day of any cau- 
cus held under the provisions of this act, 
ten or more qualified voters of any ward or 
town shall file with the city or town clerk a statement that 
they have reason to believe that the records and returns made 
by the caucus officers of such ward or town are erroneous, and 



the sealed 
package, 



*City clerk to 
keep all sealed 
packages for 
three months, 
etc. 



filed within 24 
hours. 



*In Boston, election commissioners. 



27 



shall specify wherein they deem them in error, in the city of 
Boston the city clerk shall forthwith transmit such statement 
Ballot law com= to the ballot law commission having juris- 
mission or regis= diction in the premises, and in other cities 
trar of voters an( j towns to the registrars of voters, 
within^twTdays. to g ether with the sealed package or pack- 
ages containing all the ballots cast and 
voting lists used at such caucus, and said ballot law com- 
mission or registrars of voters, as the case may be, shall 
within two days next succeeding the day of such caucus open 
said package or packages and recount said ballots and deter- 
mine the question raised, and such recount shall stand as the 
true result of the vote cast in such caucus. 
Candidate or And each candidate interested may ap- 

agent may be pear and be present during such recount, 

present. either in person or by an agent appointed 

by him in writing. 

Adoption by Political Parties in Cities and 
Towns of the Provisions of this Act. 

Political parties Sect. 24. In any city or town after the 

in cities and passage of this act the city or town corn- 

towns may adopt mittee of political party shall, at the 

this act. . J r , nc * J 

written request of fifty voters, members or 

said party, call a caucus or caucuses of said party for the 
purpose of voting upon the question whether the provisions 
of this act shall be adopted by said political party in said city 
or town. 

Caucuses to The notice of said caucus or caucuses 

accept it, how shall state the day, the place and the hour, 

not earlier than six o'clock in the evening 

and not later than half past seven o'clock in the evening, of 



28 



holding said caucus or caucuses, and shall be issued at least 

Seven days* seven days prior to the day named for said 

notice. caucus or caucuses, and shall be published 

not less than twice in one or more local newspapers, if there 

are any such newspapers in such cities or towns, and shall be 

posted in at least five public places in each ward or town. 

The sense of said caucus or caucuses 

one hour sna ^ De taken by ballot and the polls shall 

be kept open at least one hour. 

If said political party shall by a majority 
najority re- * . * ' J J J 

uuired to adopt votes cast at said caucus or caucuses 

vote to adopt the provisions of this act, 
If adopted, all v f „ , . 

caucuses there- nomination papers, ballots and other appar- 
after shall be atus required for caucuses so held shall be 

conducted as provided for said party at the expense of 

provided for in the dt or town> and all caucuses f sa id 

Boston. ,. . , . . i , ,-, 

political party in said city or town shall 

thereafter be conducted according to the provisions of 
this act. 

Acceptance may Sect. 25. A political party of a city or 

be revoked after town which has so accepted the provisions 
one year. Q f ^i s act may however at any other caucus 

or caucuses called for the purpose, upon notices given afore- 
said, held not less than one year after the date of the caucus 
or caucuses whereat said acceptance is voted, revoke such 
action by the affirmative vote of a majority of the voters 
entitled to vote in such caucus or caucuses present and voting 
by ballot thereon. The polls at said caucus or caucuses shall 
be kept open at least one hour. Whenever a political party 
in a city or town shall vote to accept the provisions of this 
act or to revoke such acceptance the secretary of the city or 
town committee of such political party shall, within ten days 
of such action, file with the secretary of the Commonwealth 



29 

and with the clerk of the city or town and the secretary of the 
state committee of the political party so voting a notice of 
such action. 

CAUCUS OFFICERS. 

Names and Sect. 26. In such city or town in each 

number. year at the caucus held in a ward or town 

for the choice of delegates to the state convention there shall 
be chosen one warden, one clerk, and at least five inspectors, 
and such additional inspectors in wards having more than five 
precincts as the city committee of the political party whose 
caucuses are to be held may each year determine. 
Qualification. They shall be qualified voters of the 

ward or town in which they are elected and members of the 
political party whose caucus is to be held. 

Term of office. Every caucus officer so elected shall 

hold office for the term of one year, beginning with the first 
day of October succeeding his election and until his suc- 
cessor is elected. 

Duties same as Sect. 27. The respective duties of 

required of caucus officers shall be in general the same 

election officers. as those required of election officers at 
elections, as provided in chapter four hundred and seventeen 
of the acts of the year eighteen hundred and ninety-three and 
all acts in amendment thereof. They shall, for the perfor- 
Shall attend all mance of their respective duties, attend in 
caucuses. their respective wards or towns at the times 

and places duly designated for caucuses. 

Sect. 28. If at any caucus a majority 
Additional of the caucus ffi cers s hall so vote, addi- 

officers to serve , „ . 

in one caucus tional officers, to serve in that caucus only, 

only, may be may be elected by a majority vote of the 

elected. caucus officers present and voting thereat, 



30 



and in case of the absence of any caucus officer the vacancy 
thus occurring shall be filled in the same manner. 
Vacancy to be In case of a vacancy in the number of 

filled by remain- caucus officers by death, declination of 
ing officers. , . . . . A , 

election, resignation, removal from the city 

or town, or otherwise, the vacancy shall be filled by a majority 
vote of all the remaining caucus officers. 

Removal from A removal from the ward or town during 

the ward or town the year for which an officer was elected 
shall not dis- shall not disqualify him from serving in the 

caucus of the ward or town wherein he 

was elected. 
A candidate for No P erson sha11 be eligible to the position 

an elective office of warden or clerk who is a member of a 
or ward com- ward or town committee, and no person 

mittee cannot shall serve as a caucus officer at any caucus 
serve as caucus .... .. , r , . 

l«: cer wherein he is a candidate for an elective 

office or for a nomination to an elective 
office, or candidate for ward or town committee. 
Caucus officers Sect ' 2 9- A cit Y or town committee of 

for first caucus a political party which shall adopt the 
held after provisions of this act shall, not less than ten 

adoption of this d • t holding any caU cus under its 

act to be ' }. . s y 

appointed. provisions, appoint such caucus officers as 

are hereinbefore provided for in each ward 
or town to serve at the first caucus to be held after the 
adoption of this act. 

In case of a re- Sect. 30. In the case of a newly in- 

division of a city corporated city, or in the case of a re- 
into wards. division of a city into wards, where a 

political party has adopted the provisions of this act, at the 
first caucus held in the next succeeding year, the caucus 
officers to serve in such caucuses shall be appointed by the 



31 



city committee, and at the aforesaid caucuses the regular 
caucus officers shall be chosen, as hereinbefore provided. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS. 

Provisions of Sect. 31. All caucuses held under the 

Chap. 417 acts provisions of this act, except as is herein 
1893, as to con= otherwise pr0 vided, shall be held in general 
duct of elections, . . . , . 

manner of accordance with the provisions relative to 

voting, etc., to the conduct of elections and the manner of 
apply to caucuses voting at elections contained in chapter 
held under this four hundred and seventeen of the acts of 
the year eighteen hundred and ninety-three 
and acts in amendment thereof. 

Penalties. Sect. 32. The penalties imposed by 

law upon officers and voters who violate the provisions of acts 
regulating state elections are hereby imposed upon officers and 
voters who violate the provisions of this act. 
Supreme and The supreme judicial court and the 

superior court superior court shall have full power at law 

to enfo U rce P ° Wer ° r in equity t0 enforce the provisions of 

this act. 
Inconsistent Sect. 33. All acts or parts of acts 

acts repealed. inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. 



[Approved June 5, 1895.] 



32 



[Act? of 1894, Chap. 271.] 



An Act Relative to 

Sessions of Registrars of Voters. 

Sections 37, 40, 49, and 56, Acts of 1893, Chap. 417, as 

Amended so as to Bead: 

f 
Registrars of Section 37. The registrars of voters, in 

voters in cities ., ^ 1( .. . _, ... 

except in every city, except the city of Boston, shall 

hofdiiay and nold sucn day ancl sucn evenin & sessions as the 

evening ses- city may by ordinance prescribe, and such 

other sessions as they shall themselves deem 

necessary ; and they shall in every year hold 

tinu'ouKYs- 011 " a continuous session from twelve o'clock, 

sionsfromi2 noon, until ten o'clock in the evening on 
m. to 10 P. m. ' ° 

on 20th day the twentieth day preceding the annual state 

state aiufcity election, and a like continuous session on the 
elections. twentieth day preceding the annual city elec- 

tion in every such city. The registrars of 
voters in the city of Boston shall hold such 
In Boston, day day sessions as the said city may by ordin- 
sessions, etc. ance prescribe, and such additional sessions 
as they shall themselves deem necessary; 
and they shall, in any event, hold in or near 
ten* evening 4 eacn ward in said city not less than ten even- 
sessions of i D qr sessions, each of at least three hours' 
three hours ° . . . . . ... . 

each, between duration, in the period beginning with the 

endiiio^bth second day of September and ending with 
day preceding the twentieth day preceding the annual state 
s a e e ec ion. e ^ ct | 011j an( j ^e same num ber of like ses- 



sions in the period succeeding the annual Same number 
state election and ending with the twentieth JfeSiSf&d- 
day preceding the annual city election in said ing with 20tn 
city; and they shall hold at their principal $gSSS2£ g 
office a continuous session, from nine o'clock 
in the morning until ten o'clock in the even- At principal 
log, on the twentieth day preceding the an- S^oV!*. 
nual state election, and a like continuous J m £ day 
session on the twentieth clay preceding the ancfcity &l?. te 
annual city election in said city. tions ' 

Sect. 40. In every city registration shall m every city, 
cease at ten o'clock in the evening on the re £ istra tion 
twentieth clay preceding the annual state SS?!? loth 
election, and shall be discontinued from that sme^ecllons 
date until the election shall have been held; 
and registration shall likewise cease at ten 
o'clock in the evening on the twentieth clay The same be _ 
preceding the annual city election in such f ? re cit y eiec- 
city, and be discontinued thenceforth until tion " 
the election shall have been held. In every 
town registration shall cease at ten o'clock re^raCT' 
m the evening on the Saturday next but one f J al1 cease at 
preceding the annual state election, and be Safurda^next 
discontinued from that date until the elec- stateTecS" 6 
tion shall have been held; and registration 
shall likewise cease at ten o'clock in the 
evening on the Saturday next but one pre-SrlSwn^" 
ceding the annual town meeting, and be dis- meeting, 
continued thenceforth until the election shall 
lave been held. 

Sect. 56. The registrars of voters shall ^ . 
promptly transmit to the assessors of the fhSfseTdto 
<ity or town notice of every error which STek 



34 



they shall discover in the name or residence 
of a person assessed therein. 

Sect. 6. This act shall take effect upon its 
passage. 

. ♦— 

[Amended Acts 1894, Chap. 291.] 

AN ACT RELATIVE TO THE 

QUALIFICATION OF VOTERS. 

Be it enacted, etc., as follows: 

Applicants for Section 1. Section forty-eight of chapter 
JKS bSe£? four hundred and seventeen of the acts of the 
aminedwhen y ear eighteen hundred and ninety-three is 
havenofbeen hereby amended : — Sect. 48. If an appli- 
within ^yeirs. caut's qualifications have not been determined 
by the registrars within the four years next 
preceding his application, the registrar, in 
Unless pre- making the examination, shall examine the 
vented by applicant under oath in regard to his qualifi- 

ESlty C or l ha?" cations, and shall, unless the applicant is pre- 
M| ht i t0 i857 te vented b y P n y sical disability from so doing, 
shall be re- or unless he had the right to vote on the first 
quired to read, day Qf May ^ the year eighteen hundred and 

fifty-seven, require him to read in such 
manner as to show that he is neithei 
prompted nor reciting from memory. For 
All registrars the purpose of testing the ability of the 
of voters to be applicant to read as required by this section, 
thr s ecr e e d tary all registrars of voters shall be furnished by 
monweS" the secretary of the Commonwealth with the 
with paste- constitution of the Commonwealth, printec 
w°ith d conSitu- on uniform pasteboard slips, each containing 



five lines of said constitution printed in tion printed 
double small pica type. The registrars of t ereon - 
voters shall place said slips in a box to be 
provided by the secretary of the Common- 
wealth and so constructed as to conceal the Applicants for 
_ , . . registration to 

same from view. Each person applying for draw one slip 

registration shall be required to draw one of rea?five^Hnes d 
said slips from the box and read the five printed there- 
lines printed thereon, in full view of the reg- 
istration officers. Each slip shall be re- Slips to be re- 
turned to the box immediately after the test shaken up be- 
is finished, and the contents of the box shall ^ r a e ^ sed 
be shaken up by a registration officer before 
another drawing is made. No person failing 

to read the slip thus drawn shall be regis- 

., . M1 . , j. , Full number of 

tered as a voter. All registrars of voters s ii ps to be kept 

hall keep in said box at all times a full in box > etc - 

number of said printed pasteboard slips. 

The secretary of the Commonwealth shall monweaith t?" 

apon request furnish new slips to the regis- furnish new 

:rars to replace those worn out or lost. The . 

, Applicant 

ipplicant shall also be required to write his also to write 

lame in a general register, as required by ^ ot? me m 
section forty-four of this act 

Sect. 2. This act shall take effect upon 
ts passage. 



36 
[Acts of 1895, Chap. 61.] 



An Act Relative to 

THE REGISTRATION OF VOTERS. 

Be it enacted as follows: 

Applicants to Section 1. Every male applicant for reg- 
cate e from e asi fi " istration sha11 present a certificate from the 
sessors, tax assessors, or a tax bill or notice from the 
of assessment collector of taxes, showing that he has been 
residence C etc f assesse( * as a resident of the city or town on 
the preceding first day of May, and the same 
shall be accepted by the registrars as prima 
facie evidence of such residence, or he shall 
present a certificate from the assessors that 
he has been a resident for the six months 
next preceding the election at which he claims 
Same to be the right to vote, and the same shall be ac- 
evidei?ce. aS cepted by the registrars as prima facie evi- 
dence of such residence. If a male person 
Persons not as- .,,-.., ., , , 

sessed May 1st was a resident of the city or town on the first 

righf etc Sh da ^ of May ' ancl Was not assessed a P o11 tax 
must'appear by the assessors of said city or town on the 
with two wit- _ , , , , r , . , 

nessesto prove first day of May, such person, in order to es- 

ieSnv°as- e tablish his right to be assessed, shall appear 
sessed from before the board of assessors, accompanied 
claimed! 6 D Y two witnesses who shall testify under 

oath that they are registered voters of the 
ward or town in which he desires to be as- 
sessed, and who shall also testify under oath 
to the truth of the statement of the applicant 
in regard to his right to be assessed at the 



37 



place claimed by him as a legal residence on 
the first clay of May. 

Section 2. Every male person moving Evidence re- 
into a city or town subsequently to the first ^ ^g^ 
clay of May, and claiming the right to vote at moving into 
an election and desiring to be registered by seojiently to 
the registrars of voters, shall appear before Ma y lst - 
the board of assessors, accompanied by two 
witnesses who shall testify under oath that 
they are registered voters of the ward or 
town in which he desires to be registered, 
and who shall also testify under oath to the 
truth of the statement of the applicant in 
regard to his being a resident of the city or 
town for the six months next preceding the 
election at which he claims the right to vote. 
The assessors shall give the applicant a 
certificate stating that he has complied with 
the provisions of this section. 

Section 3. The assessors shall, in a book To enter names 

provided for that purpose, enter the name m ? DOok w * tn 

and residence of each person thus assessed 

or certified, and also opposite each name the 

names, occupations and residences of the 

parties who have testified under oath as 

above provided. In every place where Registrars and 

voters are registered, the registrars, and in assessors snail 

00 post copy of 

every place where oaths are administered sections 315 

under this act, the assessors, shall post in a chap.^nf acts 
conspicuous place a copy of sections three 1893 - 
hundred and fifteen and three hundred and 
sixteen of chapter four hundred and seven- 
teen of the acts of the year eighteen 



38 

hundred and ninety-three, printed on white 

paper with black ink, in type not less than 

one quarter of an inch wide. 
Assessors shall Section 4. The assessors shall hold such 
e?enin a g y ses d day and such evening sessions as shall be 
sions. necessary to carry out the provisions of this 

act. 



[Extract from Chap. 275, Acts of 1895.] 
RELATING TO 

Distribution of Qr^ulars ar>d prigt^d fl\att<?r 
iij t\)n l/kii}ity of polling places. 

In a city or town, on the day of any election of state 
or citv officers * * * no poster, card, handbill, 
placard, picture or circular, except a paster to be placed 
upon the official ballot, intended to influence the action of 
the voter, shall be posted, circulated or distributed in the 
Dollin" place, in the building in which the polling place is 
focated or on the walls thereof, or on the premises on 
wWch the building stands, or on the sidewalk adjoining 
the nremises where sueh election is being held. * 
th In Sections of town officers in towns, for which bal- 
lots have bv law been provided at the expense of the town, 
lots have oy law y ^ handbiUf placardi picture or 

circular, except a paster to be placed upon the official bal- 
foMntended to influence the action o/ the voter, shaU b 
posted, circulated or distributed in t^e polling place, r. 
the building in which the polling place is located or oi 
the walls thereof, or on the premises ? n J^ *! e ^ 
ing stands, or on the sidewalk adjoining the premise, 
where such election is being held. 

Sect. 2. Whoever violates the provisions of tlsac 
shall be punished by a fine not exceeding twenty dollars. 

Approved April 12, 1S95. 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Page. 

Act to Repeal the Act Relative to Political Committees 
and Caucuses, (Chap. 504, 1894), and to Confer Certain 

Powers upon Election Commissioners of Boston i 

Act Relative to Political Committees and Caucuses, "Caucus 

Act of 1895," Chap. 489 2 

Act Relative to the Holding of Caucuses in Boston and 

Certain Cities and Towns, Chap. 507, 1895 12 

special index to Chapters 489 and 507 39 

Act Relative to Sessions of Registrars of Voters 32 

special index to 51 

Act Relative to the Qualification of Voters 34 

special index to 52 

Act Relative to the Registration of Voters 36 

special index to 52 

Act Relative to the Distribution of Circulars and Printed 

natter in the Vicinity of Polling Places on Election Days 38 

special index to . . 52 



Special Index to Chapters 489 and 507. 



Act Relative to Political Committees and Caucuses, Chap. 489 2 

to be known and cited as " caucus act of 1895 " 2 

Adoption. 

of the provisions of chap. 507, as applied to Boston, etc 27 

proceedings for, and revocation of adoption 28 

notice of, or revocation of, to be filed with secretary of Common- 
wealth, city and town clerk and secretary of state committee . . 29 

Aldermen. 

powers and duties vested in the city of Boston in respect to caucuses, 

shall be invested, in election commissioners 1 

shall provide polling places 8, 15 

shall notify political committees of places provided 8,15 

Ballot. 

shall be taken in all caucuses held under chap. 489, or " caucus act 
of 1895 " 9 



Ballots Pa ? e 

used in Boston, etc., in accordance with chap. 507, to be furnished 

by the city or town 2 

to be prepared by *city or town clerk 2 

no other to be received and counted ■ 2 

to have an official heading, etc 2 

city or town committee may determine number of . • 2 

city or town clerk to deteimine number when city committee fail . 

for elective offices to be arranged alphabetically 22 

for delegates, committees and caucus officers in groups in order filed, 

or alphabetically by written request or vote 22 

except for delegates, to have place of residence printed against names, 22 
against a name for an elective office, delegate, etc., statements, not 

exceeding eight words, contained in nomination papers, to be 

printed on 22 

to contain only names presented on nomination papers 22 

to have blank spaces for writing in names , . . . . 22 

to state number of persons to be voted for 22 

having a star (*) against a name indicates candidate for re-ehction . 23 

having a cross (X) marked against a name constitutes a vote ... 23 
having more names marked than persons to be voted for not to be 

counted 23 

to be arranged, etc., like those used at state elections 23 

six fac-simile copies of, to be printed on tinted paper and posted 

during balloting 24 

to be delivered by *city or town clerk at the polling places ... 23 

to be delivered to whom 23 

not to be counted till polls are closed 25 

to be counted in full view of voters 25 

to be sealed up with checklist, etc., and endorsed 25 

to be kept, under chap. 489, by secretary of caucus five days, and for 

three months if requested by ten voters 10 

to be recounted under chap. 489, when request is made by candidate 

within three days 11 

to be kept, under chap 507, by city or town clerk three months, etc. 26 

to be recounted under chap. 507, when request is made by ten voters, 26 

Candidates. 

to be nominated by plurality vote 9 

to be voted for at a state election to be nominated at one caucus . . . 6 

for the general court may be nominated on a different day 6 

to be voted for at a city or town election may be chosen at one 

' caucus 14 

in' case of a tie vote for, another ballot to be taken at once unless 

" some one objects 10 

I if objection is made caucus must adjourn till following orsubse- 

i quent day 10 

for elective office to receive notice of nomination 10 

under provisions of chap. 507 in Boston, etc. 

nominations of, to be voted for at a caucus must be made by nomin- 
ation papers 16 

residence of, shall be placed on papers 17 



*In Boston, election commissioners. 



Candidates — continued. Page. 

information regarding, may be put on nomination paper 17 

preferences of, may be placed on papers 18 

how nominated in case papers are not filed or vacancy occurs ... 19 

may withdraw from nomination papers 20 

information, etc., regarding, on nomination papers to be printed on 

ballots 22 

names of, how arranged on ballots 22 

Caucus. 

meaning of term as used in chap. 4S9 defined 2 

Caucus Act of 1895 2 

chap. 489, act 1895 shall be so known and cited 2 

meaning of terms defined 2 

Caucus Act, Chap. 507, Acts 1895. 

all caucuses in Boston and towns and cities adopting its provisions to 

to be held under it 13 

meaning of terms used defined 12, 13 

proceedings for adopting 27 

proceedings for revocation of adoption 28 

Caucuses. 

general provisions applying to all. 

notices apply only to members of party holding 5 

persons voting in, of one party, cannot in those of another, same 

calendar year 5 

regulations may be made restraining those not entitled, from taking 

part in or voting in 5 

nothing shall prevent enforcement of further regulations in ... . 7 

voter supporting independent candidate not excluded from .... 5 

special, called by political committees n 

relating to state elections, to have days for holding, designated by 

state committee 6 

to be held throughout the state on one of two consecutive days 1 1 

other days may be named for representative 6 

no two political parties to hold, on same days 7 

political party first filing to have precedence 7 

notice of 21 days of call, to be sent by state committee to city 

and town committees 6, 14 

plurality shall elect 9 

Caucuses in cities and towns, (except Boston etc.) 

under the provisions of chap. 489 5 

all to be called by a written or printed notice 7 

notice shall specify, are to be held under the provisions of " caucus 

act of 1895 " 7 

further regulations may be enforced 7 

except in Boston (under chap. 507) no caucus unless held under 
provisions of chap. 489 shall be entitled to nominate candidates 
whose names shall be placed on ballots to be used in state 

elections 7 

notices of, to be given, 7 days before the day, etc 8 

to state place, where, and day and hour when to be held 8 

shall be posted in public places 8 



42 



Caucuses in cities and towns, (except Boston, etc.) — continued. 

Page. 

hour for calling not to be later than 8 P. M 8 

polls to be kept opeu 30 minutes 9 

voting to be by ballot 9 

Caucuses in Boston, etc. 

under the provisions of chap. 507 13 

all such to be called and held under provisions of chap. 507 .... 13 
for delegates to a convention to nominate candidates and for choice 

of candidates to be voted for at a city or town election, to be 

held on the same day except in case of ward committees and 

certain delegates ■ 14 

for delegates to a convention to nominate candidates to be voted 

for at large may be held on a different day 14 

for choice of ward committee, day may be the same as for choice of 

candidates for municipal officers 14 

city or town committee to determine days, place and hour of holding 14 

no two parties to hold on same day 14 

party first filing copy of call with city or town committee, entitled to 

preference 14 

first notice, giving date, to be issued eighteen days before time of 

holding 15 

second notice, giving date, place and time, to be issued seven days 

before time of holding 15 

hour of holding not to be earlier than 2 P.M. nor later than 7.30 P.M. 15 

notices of, shall be published in one or more local papers 16 

Caucuses, conduct of. 

under chapter 489 8 

to be called to order by person designated in the call 8 

in case of absence of person designated 8 

temporary chairman to preside till permanent one is chosen .... 8 

chairman, secretary, etc., to be first chosen 9 

other business may be transacted 9 

ballot to be taken for delegates, candidates, etc 9 

polls to be kept open for thirty minutes 9 

voting list to be used 9 

registrar of voters shall furnish list 9 

no person to take part whose name is not on list 9 

in case of tie votes 9,10 

in case majoritv of delegation, etc., are not elected 10 

in case of no election may proceed at once to another ballot .... 10 
if objection is made adjournment must be had to following or subse- 
quent day 10 

ballots to be kept by secretary five days 10 

to be kept three months if requested by ten voters 10 

certificates of election to be sent to delegates, etc., within five days. 10 

Caucuses, conduct of, in Boston, etc. 

under chap. 507 24 

provisions of chap. 417, acts 1893, relative to conduct of elections, 

etc., apply to 31 

any necessary preliminary business to be transacted first 24 

balloting to continue till 8.30 P. M 24 



43 



Caucuses, conduct of, in Boston, etc. —continued. Page. 

time may be extended by vote 24 

in case right of person to vote is challenged 24 

no officer to give information in regard to any ballot cast by voter 

challenged 25 

after the polls are closed other business in order 24 

ballots not to be counted till polls are closed 25 

ballots to be counted in full view of voters 25 

presiding officer to make public announcement 25 

record to be made of result of balloting 25 

copy of record to be made 25 

copy and record book to be sent to *city or town clerk 25 

ballots shall be sealed with voting list, etc., by clerk 26 

sealed package to be endorsed and sent to *city or town clerk ... 26 

ballots to be kept by *city or town clerk three months 26 

Caucus officers. 

meaning of term denned 2,13 

name, number and qualifications of 29 

members of ward committee ineligible for warden or clerk 29 

cannot serve when candidate for elective office or ward committee . 29 
shall be elected annually at caucus for choice of delegates to state 

convention 29 

term of office from Oct. 1st, etc 29 

duties of, same as those of election officers 29 

shall attend at all caucuses 29 

additional to serve in one caucus only may be elected ....... 29 

in case of a tie vote at election of 10 

vacancies how filled 30 

not to give information regarding challenged voters 25 

removal from ward shall not disqualify 30 

to be appointed for first caucus in year following new division of 

wards, etc 30 

penalties imposed upon, for violation of law 31 

Challenged votes. 

under chap. 507 how received 24 

no information relative to be given 25 

penalties for giving information 31 

Check lists, see voting lists. 

Cities. 

to provide polling places, ballot boxes, etc. • • 8 

if provisions of chap. 507 are adopted. 

to provide polling places fitted with booths, guard rail, etc., 

as at state elections 16 

to provide ballots and fac-simile ballots 21,24 

to provide blank nomination papers 16 

to provide record book, blanks, seal, ete 23 

City Clerk. 

powers and duties of, in city of Boston in respect to caucuses 

vested in election commissioners 1 

*In Boston, election commissioners. 



44 



*City Clerks. Pag' 

to receive list of members aid officers of city committees with 

changes occurring 4 

duties under provisions of chap. 507 applying to Boston, etc. 

copy of call for caucuses to be filed with 14 

to prepare blank nomination papers 16 

to deliver same to chairman or seeretary of committees, and 

to them only 16 

to have papers placed with them seven week days before caucus, 20 

to be placed before 5 P. M. of last day 21 

to prepare ballots . .' 21 

to determine number of ballots when city committee fail to do so, 22 
to furnish six fac-simile ballots on tinted paper for each polling 

place 24 

to deliver at polling places ballots and fac-simile ballots, etc. . . 23 

to deliver ballots, etc., to warden if present 23 

to prepare and deliver at polling places, blanks, a seal and 

record book 23 

to receive sealed package of votes, etc., with record book, etc.. 25 

to keep sealed package of votes, etc., 3 months 26 

to produce the same when called for by court 26 

to have filed with them requests for recount 26 

to have filed with them, notice of adoption and revocation of adop- 
tion of provisions of chap, 507 29 

City committees. 

existing, to be deemed organized 5 

the several ward committees of a city shall constitute 4 

organizations of, when and how made 4 

list of members and organization of, when and with whom to be filed 4 

vacancies in offices of, filled by action of the committee 4 

to be filed as in case of officers first chosen 4 

to receive notice of members and officers of state committee .... 3 

may make rules for its conduct 5 

may make rules relative to caucuses 5 

may make regulations to determine membership in the party and to 

restrain others from taking part in caucuses, etc 5 

but not to deprive an independent voter from taking part in a caucus, 5 
to receive from state committee copy of call of caucuses relative to 

state elections 6 

to call all caucuses in cities 14 

to give eighteen days notice of the day of holding caucuses .... 15 

to give seven days notice of the place and hour of holding caucuses. 8, 15 

to call special caucuses 11, 14 

to publish notices of caucuses, etc., in local papers 8, 19 

City and town committees. 

in cities and towns other than Boston to call caucus for adoption of 

chap. 507 27 

under chap. 507 applying to Boston, etc. 

duties of, in connection with nomination papers 16 

to give notice of day and hour prior to which nominations shall 

be filed 15 

*In Boston, election commissioners. 



45 



City and town committees — continued. Page, 

to appoint caucus officers for first caucus after adoption of chap. 

507. 30 

to appoint caucus officers in first caucus in newly incorporated 

city and in first year after new division of wards 30 

chairman and secretary of, special duties. 

shall receive notice of caucus call from state committee - . . . 6, 13 

shall issue calls for regular and special caucuses 8, 12, 14 

chairman or secretary of, special duties. 

shall notify in cities, *aldermen, in towns, selectmen, of date of 
caucuses 7) 15 

shall receive notice from same of places provided for caucuses . 8, 15 

shall under chap. 507, endorse on nomination papers time of 

receipt 18 

other duties, in connection with nomination papers 19, 20 

secretary of, special duties. 

to file with secretary of Commonwealth and state committee and 

town and city clerk, list of members, officers and vacancies, 4 

in Eoston, etc., under chap. 507 

to cause caucus nomination papers to be opened publicly . . . 

to cause such nominations to be announced publicly 

may correct errors, irregularities, etc., in such papers 

to notify first signer of such defective paper 

to notify ward committee if caucus nomination papers are not filed 

to be notified of nominations by ward committee in such case . 

to send nomination papers to city clerk 20,21 

to have f ac-simile of his signature 011 ballots 21 

to file with secretary of commonwealth, and state committee 
and *city and town clerk notice of adoption or revocation of 
adoption of provisions of chap. 507 28 

Clerks of caucuses. (In Boston, etc., under chap. 507.) 

how and when chosen 29 

term of office 29 

to be appointed in certain cases 30 

duties similar to those of clerks at elections 29 

shall make record of the result of voting 25 

shall make copy of the record 25 

shall seal ballots and transmit same with records, etc., to city clerk, 25, 26 

shall with warden endorse package containing votes, etc 26 

ineligible if member of ward or town committee 30 

cannot serve when candidate for elective office or town or ward com- 
mittee 30 

(see caucus officers.) 29 

Committees. 

(see state, city and town committees.) 

Credentials for delegates, etc. 

to be sent within five days 10 

Definition of terms. 

in chapter. 489 • 2 

to be known as the caucus act of 1895 2 



*In Boston, election commissioners. 



46 



Definition of terms — continued. Page. 

political party, elective office, caucus officers, caucus, political 

convention and political committee 2 

in chap. 507 applying to Boston, etc., and cities and towns adopting 

its provisions 12 

political party, nomination papers, caucus officers and elective 

office 13 

Delegates to conventions. 

plurality elects 9 

in case of tie vote, to be chosen by other delegates 9 

proceedings for filling such vacancies 10 

in case of tie vote of a majority, another ballot to be taken at once 

unless some one objects 10 

if some one objects to ballot, a caucus to be adjourned 10 

to nominate candidates to be voted for at a state election to be 

chosen at one caucus 6 

to nominate candidates for representatives may be held on another 

day 6 

to receive certificate of election within five days 10 

to nominate candidates to be voted for at a city election 14 

(see candidates.) 
Delegation to convention. 

may fill vacancy caused by failure to elect on account of tie ... . 9 

meeting for purpose, how called? 10 

must organize with chairman and secretary • 10 

must notify secretary of convention of the action 10 

Election commissioners of Boston. 

powers and duties vested in mayor, aldermen, registrars of voters 

and city clerks in respect to caucuses to be vested in 1 

Elective office. 

meaning of term defined 2, 13 

Inspectors. 

(see caucus officers) 29 

Nomination papers (under provisions of chap. 507) 16 

blanks to be provided by city or town 16 

blanks to be prepared by* city or town clerk 16 

blanks to have printed on them provisions of sections 4 to 16 . . . 16 
to be delivered to chairman or secretary of political committee for 

whom prepared 16 

to be delivered to them only 16 

all nominations to be made on 16 

to be signed by at least five voters of the party 17 

to be signed by voter in person 17 

not to contain more names than there are persons to be elected . . 17 

may contain fewer names . .* 17 

to give residence of each signer 17 

may contain certain information about candidate i7>i8 

in not exceeding eight words 18 

time of filing to be endorsed upon 18 

*In Boston, election commissioners. 



Nomination papers — continued. Page, 

to be filed in office of secretary of city or town committee ten days 

before caucus 

to be sealed when filed 

not to be opened until time for announcing nominations 

to be publicly opened and publicly announced • . 

errors, irregularities, etc., may be corrected by secretary of city or 

town committee 

or by signer of paper 

if none are filed in a city, ward committee to be notified 

may be made by ward committee in such case 

two sets of papers may be filed in such case, if ward committee 

disagrees 

in case of non-receipt in a city 

in case of non-receipt in a town 20 

in case of vacancy by death or otherwise 19 

in case of withdrawal by person nominated 20 

to be filed finally with *city or town clerk 20 

to be filed seven week days before time of holding caucus .... 20 

to be filed before 5 P. M., on last day of filing 21 

only names presented to be printed on a ballot 22 

Notices. 

relating to caucuses for state elections. 

2 1 days to be given by state committee of the date to city and 

town committees 6, 13 

party first filing with secretary of Commonwealth entitled to 

precedence 7 

18 days to be given by city and town committees of the date 

(under chap. 507) 15 

7 days to be given by city and town committees of the date, 

place and time of caucus 8 

under provisions of chap. 489 to be posted 8 

to apply only to members of party holding caucus 5 

under chap. 489 shall specify that call is under caucus act of '95. 7 

and shall designate who shall call to order 8 

to be published in local papers 8, 16 

to be posted conspicuously in certain places 8 

for recount of ballots 11,26 

for special caucuses 11 

relating to caucuses in Boston and cities and towns under chap. 507. 

first, to be issued by city or town committee 18 days before date 15 
party first filing with * city or town clerk entitled to preference, 14 
second, to be issued of date, place and time 7 days before ... 15 
18 days to be given of date and place of filing nomination papers 15 

to be published in papers 16 

to be given to *aldermen and selectmen to prepare polling places. . 7, 15 
to be given by*aldermen and selectmen to city and town committees 

of place selected for caucuses 8, 15 

Penalties. 

for officers and voters same as in acts regulating state election . . . 12, 31 

supreme and superior courts have full power to enforce 12, 31 

Plurality of votes cast. 

shall be deemed to nominate or elect 9 



*In Boston, election commissioners. 



48 



Political convention. Page. 

meaning of term as used in chap. 489 defined 2 

delegates to, for state elections how and when chosen 6 

delegates to, for city elections in Boston, etc., how and when chosen 14 
(see delegates to conventions). 
Political committee. 

meaning of terms as used in chap. 489 defined 2 

Political committees. 

(see state, city and town committees.) 
Political party. 

meaning of term defined 2,13 

shall annually elect a state committee 3 

in a city, shall each year choose ward committees 3 

in a town, shall each year choose a town committee 3 

committees of, to consist of not less than three persons 3 

regulations to determine membership may be made 5 

no person can act in caucus of more than one 5 

may adopt provisions of chap. 507 27 

may reconsider such adoption 28 

proceedings for such purpose 27, 28 

(see state, city and town committee.) 
Polling places. 

*aldermen and selectmen to be notified to prepare 8,15 

to be provided at the expense of city or town 8, 15 

to notify city and town committees of location 8,15 

in city of Boston election commissioners to prepare and assign places 1 
Record book. 

to be furnished by *city or town clerk, under chap. 507 23 

to be delivered at the polling place 23 

to be returned to the *city or town clerk 25 

Records. 

of result of balloting, etc., to be made 25 

copy of same to be made 25 

all to be transmitted to *city or town clerk 25, 26 

Recount of Ballots. 

in cities and towns under chap. 489 11 

notice for, to be filed by candidates, etc., with secretary of 

caucus within three days 11 

notice of, to be given in writing to persons interested 11 

chairman and secretary of caucus to recount within twenty-four 

hours ir 

candidate or his agent may be present 11 

in Boston, etc., under chap. 507 26 

notice for, to be filed by ten voters with city or town clerk, 

within twenty-four hours 26 

ballot law commissioners in Boston to recount within two days 27 

registrar of voters in other cities and towns 27 

candidate or his agent may be present 27 

Registrars of voters. 

in city of Boston, powers and duties in respect to caucuses vested ii 

election commissioners 1 

*In Boston, election commissioners. 



Registrars of voters — continued. Page, 

to furnish last voting lists for caucuses held under caucus act of 1895, 

chap. 489 9 

to recount ballots (except in Boston) in cities and towns holding cau- 
cuses under chap. 507 27 

Representative caucuses. 

special provision relating thereto 6 

Representative district committees. 

duties relative to representative conventions and caucuses 6 

Rules and regulations. 

state, city and town committees may make 5 

further than those provided for in chap. 489, may be enforced ... 7 
Secretary of caucus. 
under chap. 4S9. 

choice of, first business in order 9 

to send certificate to delegates and nominees within five days «... 10 

to keep all ballots 10 

with chairman shall recount ballots 11 

Secretary of the Commonwealth. 

to receive notice from state political committee of call for caucus . . 7 
to receive from state, city and town committees list of members, 

officers and vacancies occurring 3,4 

to receive from city and town committees notice of adoption or 

revocation of adoption of provisions of chap. 507 28 

Selectmen of towns. 

to provide polling places for holding caucuses 7, 15 

to notify committees of place selected for holding caucuses 8, 15 

Special caucuses. 

shall be held as political committees may determine 11 

chairman and secretary shall issue calls for 12 

State committee, 

to be elected annually 3 

how constituted, when elected, term of office, etc 3 

to be organized, when and how 3 

vacancies how filled and filed 3 

may make rules, etc., for their conduct, also relative to caucuses . . 5 
to designate the dates of all caucuses pertaining to state elections. . 6 
first filing copy of call with secretary of the commonwealth entitled 

to precedence 7 

to forward copy of call to city and town committees, twenty-one 

days prior thereto 6 

may designate other days for representative caucuses 6 

existing at passage of act (chap. 489) deemed to be organized. ... 5 
chairman and secretary of, special duties. 

shall send call for caucuses relating to state elections to city or 

town committees 6, 13 

shall designate dates when representative caucuses may be held, 6 
secretary of, special duties. 

to receive notice of list of members and officers of city and 

town committees with vacancies occurring 3,4 

shall within ten days file with secretary of commonwealth, list of 

members, officers and vacancies occurring 3 

shall send same list to city and town committees 3 

to receive notice of adoption or revocation of adoption of provis- 
ions of chap. 507 28 



Tie vote. Page, 

if for delegates to a convention vacancy to be filled by remaining 

delegates 9 

if for ward and town committee or caucus officers, vacancy filled by 

elected members 10 

if for elective office, a majority of a delegation, etc., another ballot 
to be taken at once unless some one objects then at adjourned 

caucus 10 

Towns. 

to provide polling places, ballot boxes, etc 7 

if provisions of chap. 507 are adopted. 

to provide polling places prepared with booths, etc. as at state 

elections 16 

to provide ballots and fac-simile ballots 21,24 

to provide blank nomination papers 16 

to provide record book, blanks, seal, etc 23 

Town committee. 

to be elected annually 3 

to consist of not less than three persons 4 

to hold office for one year 4 

vacancies in, filled by action of committee 4 

in case of tie vote at election of 10 

in case of a tie vote for a majority of 10 

to receive notice of membership of state committee 3 

to organize by choice of chairman, secretary and treasurer .... 4 

to file organization and any vacancies occurring 4 

existing at the passage of act to be deemed to be organized .... 5 

may make rules, etc., for their conduct 5 

to call all caucuses in their towns 8, 15 

to give notice, etc., of caucuses 8 

to post notices on five lines of travel and in every postoffice .... 8 
to make rules, etc., restraining parties not entitled to take part in 

caucuses from voting, therein, etc 5 

may make rules and regulations relative to caucuses 5 

shall not deprive voter supporting independent candidate from 

voting, etc 5 

to receive copy of caucus call from state committee 6 

to notify selectmen to provide polling places 7. 15 

has power to take action relative to adoption of provisions of chap. 507 27 

to appoint caucus officers for first caucus after adoption 30 

(see city and town committee.) 
Town clerks. 

to receive lists of members and of town committees and vacancies 

occurring $, 4 

duties under chap. 507 when provisions of same are adopt- 
ed ... . 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 29 

to have filed with them notice of the adoption or revocation of the 

adoption of provisions of chap. 507 28 

Vacancies. 

in officers of state, city and town committees how filled 3,4 



in caucus officers 



30 



caused by tie vote for delegates, to be filled by remaining delegates 
aused by tie vote for members of town and ward committees and 

_ caucus officers to be filled by members elected 10 

1 list of nominees to be voted for in a caucus 20 

(see nomination papers.) 



51 



Voting lists. Page 

to be used in balloting as check lists . 9 

to be furnished by Registrar of voters 9 

persons whose names are not on, not entitled to vote in caucuses . . 9 

to be sent to polling places by *city or town clerks 23 

record to be made of names checked on 25 

to be returned sealed up with ballots, etc., to *city or town clerks 26 

to be kept for three months 26 

to be used at a recount 27 

Ward commutes. 

to be chosen annually 3 

to consist of not less than three members 3 

term of office, if elected between Jan. 1 and June 1, one year from 

June 1 4 

if elected between June 1 and Jan. 1, one year from Jan. 1 .... 4 

shall constitute a city committee 4 

caucuses for choice of under chap. 507, to be held on same day . . 14 

day may be same as for caucuses relating to a city election .... 14 

to be notified if nomination papers have not been filed 20 

to file nomination papers in certain cases 20 

residence shall be given on nomination papers 17 

also on ballots 22 

names on ballots to be arranged in groups 22 

may be alphabetically by request, etc 22 

member of, not eligible to position of warden and clerk 30 

candidate for, cannot serve as a caucus officer 30 

Warden. 

to cause fac-simile copies of ballots to be posted in polling places . 24 

to make public announcement of result of ballots 25 

to cause clerk to make record of same 25 

with clerk of caucus, to notify delegates, officers-elect, etc 10 

duties to be similar to those of warden, at elections 29 

with clerk of caucus, to endorse package containing votes, etc. . . 26 

to transmit same to *city clerk by police or other officers 26 

to accept challenged votes 24 

cannot serve if candidate for an elective office or member of a ward 

or town committee 30 

ineligible to the position, if member of a ward or town committee . 30 

(see caucus officers.) 



An Act relative to Sessions of Registrars of Voters ..... 32 
Registrars of voters. 

to hold sessions in cities, except Boston, day and evening, etc . . . 32 

and from 12 to 10 P. M., on 20th day preceding state and city elec- 
tions 32 

in Boston day, and in each ward between September 2d, ending 20th 
day preceding state election, after state election same number 
ending 20th day preceding city election ; at principal office from 
9 A. M. to 10 P. M., on 20th day preceding state and city elec- 
tions 32 

shall send to assessors notice of any error, etc. .......... 33 

*In Boston, election commissioners. 



Registration. Page, 

to cease in every city at 10 P. M. on the 20th day preceding state and 

city election 33 

to cease in every town at 10 P. M . the Saturday next but one before 

state and town elections 33 

III. 

An Act relative to the Qualification of Voters 34 

Applicants for registration. 

to be examined when qualifications have not been determined for 

four years 34 

to be required to read unless physically disabled or had right to vote 

May 1, 1S57 34 

to be required to read from slips having constitution printed thereon, 35 

to be required to write name in a book 35 

Slips. 

of pasteboard with constitution printed thereon to be furnished by 

state 35 

to be placed in a box by registrars 35 

to be drawn from box by applicants 35 

to be shaken up before another drawing is made 35 

registrars to keep a full supply on hand 35 

secretary of Commonwealth to furnish and replace them when worn 

out or lost 35 

IV. 

An act relative to the Registration of Voters 36 

Assessment, applicants for. 

not assessed May 1 must prove residence, etc 36 

moving into a city or town after May 1 must prove residence, etc. 37 

to receive certificate showing assessment 37 

Assessors. 

to hold day and evening sessions to carry out provisions of act . . . 38 

to enter in a book, names, etc., of persons assessed 37 

to post conspicuously copy of section 315 and 316, chap. 417, acts 1893 37 

to give certificates of assessment 37 

Registration, applicants for. 

to present to registrars certificates showing assessment 36 

*Registrars of voters. 

to receive from applicants for registration, tax bills, etc., as evidence 

of residence 36 

post conspicuously copy of section 315 and 316, chap. 417, acts 1894 38 

V 

An act relative to the Distribution of Circulars and Printed 

Matter in the Vicinity of Polling Places on Election Day 3? j 

circulation of posters, cards, etc., prohibited at polling places ... 38 

penalty for violation, twenty dollars 38 

* In Boston, election commissioners. 

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